New YorkA 49972025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Extends DEC's authority to regulate management of crabs, and prohibits the taking of horseshoe crabs for commercial and biomedical purposes

Sponsored By: Deborah Glick (Democratic)

Became Law

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATIONCODESRULES

Your PRIA Score

Score Hidden

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this bill and every other piece of legislation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to start

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.

Horseshoe crab harvest banned in New York

Beginning January 1, 2026, no one may take horseshoe crabs from New York waters for commercial or biomedical purposes. A narrow exception applies for real scientific or educational uses, including public or nonprofit zoos and aquariums. The environmental commissioner decides which uses qualify under rules. People who relied on harvesting horseshoe crabs lose that income unless they qualify for the exception.

Permit required to take crabs commercially

Beginning January 1, 2026, you must have a state permit to take crabs for commercial purposes. The law presumes your activity is commercial if you take or land more than 50 crabs in one day, or if you sell or barter any crabs. Permits are issued to individuals. A permit can be endorsed for a vessel and then covers everyone on that boat.

State can tighten crab fishing rules

From January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027, the state can set new rules for crabs other than horseshoe crabs. Rules can set size and catch limits, seasons (including lunar closures), closed areas, gear and landing rules, permits, records, and transport or sale rules. These rules must be at least as strict as current law and align with regional and federal fishery plans. If you fish or sell crabs, your allowed catch, seasons, or gear may change during this period.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Deborah Glick
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Chris Burdick
Democratic • House
Dana Levenberg
Democratic • House
David Weprin
Democratic • House
Gabriella Romero
Democratic • House
Jo Anne Simon
Democratic • House
Karines Reyes
Democratic • House
Robert C. Carroll
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 43 • No: 16

House vote • 6/11/2025

FLOOR Vote